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Crispy Mongolian Beef with Sweet and Savory Garlic Ginger Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 137 reviews

This Crispy Mongolian Beef recipe features thinly sliced flank steak coated in cornstarch, fried to a golden crisp, and tossed in a sweet and savory garlic ginger sauce. Enhanced with soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of rice vinegar, this flavorful stir-fry is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, making it perfect to serve over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 1 lb Flank steak (Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness)
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Creates a crispy coating on the beef)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (For frying the beef)

Sauce

  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for aromatic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (Grated; adds warmth and depth)
  • 1/2 cup Low-sodium soy sauce (Base of the sweet-savory sauce)
  • 1/3 cup Brown sugar (Caramelizes to create a rich glaze)
  • 1/2 cup Water (Balances the sauce consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar (Adds brightness to the sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Optional; adds a spicy kick)

Garnish

  • 3 stalks Green onions (Chopped for garnish and flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (For garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. Let the beef sit for 10 minutes to absorb moisture, ensuring a crispy texture when fried.
  2. Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for frying the beef.
  3. Fry the Beef: Add the coated beef in a single layer to the hot oil. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the beef becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors into the pan.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Toss Beef in Sauce: Return the crispy beef to the pan, tossing it evenly to coat in the sweet and savory sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is heated through and well glazed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, double-dip the beef in cornstarch.
  • You can adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference or omit them for a mild flavor.
  • Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Flank steak should be sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Serve the dish immediately after cooking to retain the crispy texture of the beef.

Keywords: Mongolian beef, crispy beef, garlic ginger sauce, sweet and savory stir-fry, flank steak recipe